Business Franchise articles from October 2010

Business Franchise archives from October 2010

Back to black.(EDITOR'S COLUMN)
October 1, 2010... 'Lloyds storms back into profit'. RBS moves back into the black'. 'HSBC see profits double'. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These were some of the headlines dominating the news this summer, painting a promising picture for franchising this autumn....

Child friendly: the latest reports from businesses in franchising.(News)
October 1, 2010... The Creation Station, a creative arts and crafts class provider for children, has teamed up with the organisers of the UK's largest franchising event to provide a play area for children at The National Franchise Exhibition on 1 & 2 October...

Stat-o-meter.(News)
October 1, 2010... STAT-O-METER In a recent CBI Distributive Trades Survey, retailers said: Expected sales in September to be higher than a year ago 39% Experienced an increase in sales in the first two weeks of August 53% Believe the overall business...

Papa 'John' opens [pounds sterling]5 million dough plant.(News)
October 1, 2010... Papa John's Pizza's Founder, Chairman and co-CEO, John Schnatter, has flown in from the USA to officially open a new 5 million dough plant and quality control centre in Milton Keynes. The facility on Northfield Drive will cater for the expanding...

5 ways to find the perfect franchise.(News)
October 1, 2010... 1 Choose an industry you are interested in. 2. Ensure the full set-up cost is in your budget. 3. Check out the market size, trading cycles, level of competition, etc. 4. Consider investment levels required after set-up - equipment,...

It could be you!(News)
October 1, 2010... Domino's Pizza franchisee Mike Racz, 28 Started out: Arrived in the UK from Hungary six years ago and went from pizza-maker to opening his first store in Hartlepool at the age of 24. Today: He now owns six stores in the north-east and has...

Rice is growing.(NEW LAUNCH)
October 1, 2010... New restaurant chain Rice has launched its franchise opportunity, offering nutritious, fresh and fast fusion rice dishes from around the world. Rice started in Manchester five years ago and is now focusing on securing franchise partners in the...

Mini Marmalade is spreading.(NEW LAUNCH)
October 1, 2010... Mini Marmalade sells babies toys, clothing and equipment as well as pregnancy essentials via a party format in people's homes, mother and toddler groups, nurseries and local events. The business offers flexible hours and franchisees can work...

Belvoir shortlisted for award.(NEW LAUNCH)
October 1, 2010... Belvoir, one of the UK's largest specialist letting agencies, has announced that it has been shortlisted as National Lettings Agency of the Year in the Negotiator Awards 2010. Managing Director Dorian Gonsalves commented: "Being nominated,...

MP opens Home Instead Senior Care' s new office.(NEW LAUNCH)
October 1, 2010... Paul Burstow, MP and Minister of State (Care Services) opened Home Instead Senior Care's Sutton franchise office in July. Commenting on the work of Home Instead Senior Care, Paul said: "What Home Instead Senior Care is doing is creating choices....

Quote of the month.(NEW LAUNCH)
October 1, 2010... "Never invest in a franchise until you have spoken to a good selection of franchisees" Terry Mullen, operations director of Revive. Read the full article on page 22.

Road safety.(NEWS SHORTS)
October 1, 2010... Recognition Express, one of Europe's leading promotional products franchise, is promoting Road Safety Week 2010 by running a Design a Road Safety Banner competition throughout schools in the UK. The theme of this year's Road Safety Week,...

Reduced fee.(NEWS SHORTS)
October 1, 2010... To celebrate its fifteenth anniversary this year, Jo Jingles, a provider of music and movement classes for pre-school children, is offering potential franchi-sees a 500 discount if they take up a franchise before January 2011.

No graffiti!(NEWS SHORTS)
October 1, 2010... Manufacturers of high tensile steel fences, Colourfence, has developed a special paint removal chemical where graffiti literally just wipes off, without damaging the underlying paint system. Colourfence anticipates that this new anti graffiti...

Healthy bite.(NEWS SHORTS)
October 1, 2010... 5aDay Box, a new healthy eating franchise, is exhibiting for the first time at the National Franchise Exhibition 5aDay Box has created a franchise that offers customers top quality, economy and convenience, catering for those who want to eat...

View from the front line.(News)(Interview)
October 1, 2010... Q. Has the first 100 days of the new coalition government affected your business? "I'm not sure the coalition government has-yet-had any effect on our business - or I suspect on business in general. That said the positive thing about the...

UK businesses feeling positive.(News)
October 1, 2010... Nearly half the respondents to the latest HSBC Global Small Business Confidence Monitor believe their prospects are better compared to the same time last year, with many now planning to increase capital expenditure and recruitment. Commenting...

How often can I expect to see my franchisor once I have started my business?(Comment)
October 1, 2010... "It is important that there is flexibility by the franchisor as to how often meetings take place. We maintain an open-door policy whereby a franchisee can arrange a meeting at any point during their franchise ownership. This enables franchisees...

A different way for franchisees: Peterborough-based franchises are gaining new customers by promoting the concept of franchising together.(NEWS)
October 1, 2010... Set up in 2007, the Peterborough Franchise Group set the blueprint for a successful business group, which helps consumers better understand what businesses are franchised and what it means to them as consumers. This has provided promotional...

Upcoming franchise events.(NEWS)
October 1, 2010... The biggest franchise show of the year - The National Franchise Exhibition [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] - will be held at Birmingham NEC on 1 & 2 October. For more information and details of free tickets, see our showguide on page 35. ...

Action plan understanding your market financial projections realistic judgement be aware of the economic climate: business plans and financial projections can be intimidating, but it needn't be, says Lloyds TSB's Richard Holden.(ADVICE)
October 1, 2010... When it comes to preparing a business plan, what you need is a good understanding of your business and the market-not a master's degree in accountancy. It is tough to predict the future trading performance of your business, particularly if...

Code of conduct: the size and scale of the franchise agreement can be daunting. Here franchise solicitor Robin Wright breaks it down with a 10-point plan.(ADVICE)
October 1, 2010... It is vital that the franchisee and the franchisor are happy with the terms and conditions in a franchise agreement and that there is profit and flexibility built in for both parties. Reviewing the franchise agreement with your solicitor...

Q&A.(Q&A)(Interview)
October 1, 2010... [Q] What are the benefits of a resale? H Riaz, Solihull [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [BIO] DERRICK SIMPSON Derrick is the managing director of Franchise Resales. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [A] When an existing franchisee decides it is...

Trading confidentially: a new type of clause is becoming commonplace in franchise agreements to safe lard tie relationship between a franchisor and franchisee. Legal expert Manzoor Ishani simplifies the most important contract you'll sign.(ADVICE)
October 1, 2010... Franchisees are increasingly better informed, not only about their rights but also about the various ways they can bring pressure on their franchisor with whom they may be in dispute with. Franchisors, on the other hand, are passionate about the...

Support structure: what support should you expect from a franchisor, and how do you know you're getting value for money? Terry Mullen of Revive! - winner of the 2010 bfa award for franchisee support-reveals what you need to know.(ADVICE)
October 1, 2010... Support should start right from the recruitment stage, with a franchisor telling you honestly if they consider you right for the business. A good franchisor will allow you time to complete your due diligence, provide you with detailed...

Paint, profit and a perfect partnership: as soon as husband and wife team Steve and Anne Martin scratched the surface of a ChipsAway franchise, they knew it was for them. Within a year they are generating a turnover of [pounds sterling]6,000 per week!(Cover Story)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]22,500 Steve and Anne Martin know a thing or two about business. Having been successful property developers for more than 15 years, the couple took the decision to invest in a ChipsAway franchise at the end...

Keep it in the family: around two-thirds of all UK companies are family-owned, so surely working with your partner, sibling o child can't be a bad idea - can it? Rob McKinlay explores the pros and cons of keeping franchising in the family.(Special Feature)(Interview)
October 1, 2010... The Trumps, the Murdochs, the Fords, the Sainsburys the list of famous family dynasties stretches far and wide, even as far as the silver screen, where the most infamous family boss of them all, 'The Godfather' Don Corleone, ruled his empire...

Let's talk shop: a proven business model, a recognised brand and ongoing support - inherent in a franchised business - is equating to a bright outlook for many retail franchises compared to their independent competitors. Natalie Hoare investigates.(Market Focus)
October 1, 2010... The retail sector offers some of the most profitable franchises around and represents some of the most recognisable brands, covering a range of retailers from fast-food outlets and coffee houses to clothing shops. Think McDonald's, Subway, Mexx,...

Exhibitor list: use the tick boxes to plan which exhibitors you want to meet.(Show Guide)
October 1, 2010... 0800 Repair F170 5aday Box Supplies L190 ActionCOACH Business Coaching B55 Agency Express F40 AlphaGraphics M210 Architectural...

Exhibitors by category.(Show Guide)
October 1, 2010... Accountants/Financial Advisers EuroDebt G20 The Financial Management Centre F260 Automotive Car Medic International G10 Chipsaway H10 Dent...

Next stop: don't miss the biggest franchise exhibition of the year where you'll learn everything you need to know about franchising.(Show Guide)
October 1, 2010... Afranchise exhibition is a great way to discover the vast range of businesses on offer and learn everything you need to know about franchising all under one roof. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You'll find businesses from a broad spectrum of...

An exhibition is a 'great resource'.
October 1, 2010... As the biggest show for UK franchising, this is your perfect opportunity to discover if franchising is right for you and what your next steps will be. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The NatWest/bfa Franchise Survey has shown that the industry...

The National Franchise Exhibition.(Calendar)
October 1, 2010... Take advantage of the FREE educational feature Franchise Starting Point (M130) Friday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 The beginners guide to franchising Have all your questions answered in one location before your hunt for...

Happy memories: LittleAngels is a flexible photography franchise, ideal for parents with young children that need to Et work alongside their family life.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]12,500 The LittleAngels photography franchise is a rewarding business that fits in with children and family as it is mainly operated during term time. Marketing the business is made easier through...

Number one: if you have a qualification in accountancy and finance, the Finance Management Centre is interested in you! You could run your own accountancy firm and provide a first-class service to a range of businesses.(Focus)(Company overview)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM [pounds sterling]6,500 - [pounds sterling]25,000 The Financial Management Centre (TFMC) is a leading national financial management consultancy. It is passionate about performance and takes immense pride in its...

Party on! Parties are big business and almost every party needs music. Be it at a wedding or corporate party, people want their parties to be remembered and FunkyDiva can ensure this!(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]10,000 The FunkyDiva digital jukebox can be hired for a flat fee across the UK. The technology was designed for party rental-the jukebox has a big touch screen for people to select from more than 13,000...

Healthy career: discover the business of health care insurance - WPA has been providing health care solutions for more than 100 years. Meet the team at this year's National Franchise Exhibition.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]7,500 To help any prospective franchisees in their research into the WPA opportunity. it firmly believes that the more transparent it can be the better for everyone. Should you choose to visit WPA at the...

Fresh Brew: do you want to be your own boss and have the freedom to control your business and lifestyle? With Ringtons you can become part of a [pounds sterling]3 billion market.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]28,950 Ringtons is a unique home delivery service for world-class teas, coffees and biscuits, and offers the potential for high earnings. It is a home-based van franchise, where you will serve your local...

Happy anniversary: Jo Jingles launched its music, singing and movement franchise in 1995 and now, on its 15th anniversary, it is one of the largest providers of music classes for babies and pre-school age children in the UK and Ireland.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM [pounds sterling]6,000 - [pounds sterling]9,000 More than 25,000 children, aged from three months to five years follow the Jo Jingles programme. In the next year they will have the opportunity to participate in a...

Big business: Apollo Blinds has launched a new website as part of a two-stage plan to give potential investors the opportunity to discover more about becoming a franchisee with a leading window blinds franchise network.(Focus)(Website overview)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL [pounds sterling]15,900 The new Apollo Blinds website www.apolloblindsfranchise.co.uk is a treasure trove of information about the company. It has been specifically developed to answer every conceivable question that anyone...

Family first: John and Alison Cattermole worked together in a pub before joining Ovenclean - a business that provides the flexibility to work around the needs of their young son. The couple now has big plans for the future.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... Investment level: [pounds sterling]14,995 For John and Alison Cattermole, Ovenclean has proved the perfect franchise, enabling them to build a strong, profitable business with the flexibility to work around family life. The pair previously...

In the family: could you work with family? As Sonia Stephenson's LighterLife weight-loss franchise took off, her sister Elena came on board to help. Here's how these two sisters make it work.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM [pounds sterling]12,000 Knowing that she was investing in a tried-and-tested brand made the decision to take on a LighterLife franchise all the easier for Sonia Stephenson, who felt working under the umbrella of a...

Clean streak: since Molly Maid started in 1979 it has provided cleaning services to hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers in Canada, USA, Portugal and Japan as well as the UK. This year alone more than 400 Molly Maid franchises will clean in excess of two million homes.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]16,975 The Molly Maid service provides high quality and reliable domestic cleaning that is operated by franchisees, manage teams of maids within an exclusive area. Although some sales and management...

Where it's at: established by two brothers with an eye for business and a knowledge of the computer and internet sector, Brobuild is an established web design and solutions business.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]16,495 In modern business - however big or small - having an online presence is a must. Not only can Brobuild help to promote services or products, but it can enter e-commerce making it easier for clients...

Families in business: many business owners within ServiceMaster's four national brands are firm family units. Vicki Keenan and Sue Crabtree, for example, are twin sisters who bought Merry Maids of Rossendale a year ago.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]16,248 In their twenties and enthusiastic about the prospect of going into business for themselves, Vicki Keenan and Sue Crabtree took the plunge together and bought their business. Vicky says: "We wanted to...

Proving popular: the Eggfree Cake Box is bringing a new franchise concept to the high street - fresh, on-demand egg-free cream cakes for all occasions.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]16,750 For special occasions or an everyday treat, most of us enjoy a cake of some sort, but our busy lifestyles means very few of us have the time to make our own, which is why the retail franchise offering...

Power forward: founded in 1996, gas-elec Safety Systems has established itself as a long-standing, highly profitable franchise. With an estimated 82 per cent of UK homes requiring such services.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]16,500 When gas-efec launched its safety inspection business in the UK, little did the industry realise that 14 years on, the company would be operating in a 22 billion market. With a national network and...

IT business: Laptop Learning is a young, dynamic company that teaches computer skills to retired people, business professionals or people who need to increase their office IT skills. It is now looking for franchisees to run a territory of their own.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]18,000 Laptop Learning is a people-focused business that enables customers to increase their personal skills and confidence with IT. The diversity of clients and their needs keeps franchisees challenged it...

Taste drive: attend a free Dent Wizard taster session to whet your appetite for running this automotive business. With 30 million vehicles on the road in the UK, this can be an extremely lucrative opportunity.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]14,995 Dent Wizard is a division of Manheim Smart Repairs, part of the Manheim Group, owned by the innovative and hugely successful Cox Enterprises, employing in excess of 80,00 people with revenues...

Leaders of the pack: since its inception, Bark Busters has trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide. With more than 450 franchises in 11 countries, it is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioural therapists.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]18,000 Bark Busters, an SPCA International award winning company, has grown to be the world's largest dog training company. The brainchild of Sylvia and Danny Wilson, Bark Busters celebrates its 21st...

Healthy pick: the famished is a young, ethical and exciting business delivering organic produce directly to the customer. Discover some fresh food for thought.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]7,500 Set up by brothers Tom and Richard Cropper, The Farmshed was born from a passion for locally sourced, organic produce. The brothers started delivering to friends and family in their local area and, two...

In demand: Dublcheck has a 17-year track record of getting sales for franchisees - this is your opportunity to join an industry worth more than [pounds sterling]3 billion.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]13,750-[pounds sterling]190,750 With a Dublcheck franchise you don't need to do any selling unless you want to. Dublcheck obtains all the business for franchisees, enabling them to concentrate on looking...

The wheel deal: Barry Thom was looking for an automotive franchise he could add on to his car valeting business and found the perfect opportunity with Kwicksilver's wheel straightening services.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]15,000 Surrey-based Barry Thom, 32, had been running his car valeting business for 12 years when he began to look at ways to expand. He researched a range of automotive franchises, but it was Kwicksilver's...

Mobile business: why do you go to work everyday? To pay the bills? To put food on the table? Or to achieve your hopes and dreams? The Caravan Medic has changed the lives of those who have already invested and has been out-performing since its launch in 2008.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]16,995 Neil Jaques was a national sales manager for a large corporate company until he was made redundant last year. He decided to seek out a new challenge and, after thorough investigation, settled on what...

Spin a web: become a web consultant - it is your business with spoto.net's support.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]12,495 Spoton.net is no ordinary franchise. It's a unique, proven business with earning potential of up to 250k by year two and with no direct competition. With the Spoton.net franchise, you simply market...

On you list: Property Inventories provides detailed inventories of residential letting properties. Established in 2006, the firm was already thriving by the time the tenancy deposit scheme legislation was passed in April 2007.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]18,000 Property Inventories was well positioned to take advantage of the upturn in business that resulted from the tenancy deposit scheme. Growing from a four-man team to almost 30 staff members in three...

Read all about it: Business2Business is an independent authoritative newspaper that highlights the news and issues that affect local business and local business people.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]13,250 Business2Business is the heart of its local business community in north Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and is now launching the model nationwide. The concept was launched in Milton Keynes 12 years...

Let's meet: more than 200 The Alternative Board facilitators and coaches conduct monthly board meetings across the UK, US, Canada and South America. Since its inception, thousands of businesses have benefited from this company.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVELS [pounds sterling]16,995 The Alternative Board (TAB) is a business coaching and peer advisory board for business owners. As a franchisee of TAB, you will chair monthly peer board meetings for business owners, managing...

Get hold of this: are the ever-increasing powers of the health and safety industry really starting to concern you? Are you worried about the economic climate and its impact on you? Then discover the GlobalGrip anti-slip flooring franchise.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]15,000 - [pounds sterling]35,000 The economic downturn holds no worries for GlobalGrip as it's a legislation driven business. All floors in public areas must comply with the Health & Safety Executive's...

A new craft: former British hovercraft champion, Russell Hudson, was fed up with his corporate job, and his love of cars, bikes and 'anything motorised' drew him to the automotive franchise sector. Revive! Fitted the bill.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]19,995 Rhevive! franchisee Russell Hudson admits he did not have a big business idea, hich is why franchising appealed. He explains: "I wanted to make something work that had already worked for someone else,...

Feeding time: as a customer, Pippa Crow was so impressed with Oscar Pet Foods, she relished the opportunity to purchase an existing business.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]14,995 Pippa Crow was a legal secretary for more than 20 years, spending the majority of this time in London. After being made redundant, Pippa took her career into her own hands. "Redundancy forced me to...

Going green: if you are considering a career move, one of the UK's rapidly expanding franchise businesses, Lawnscience, may be the ideal route for you.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pound sterling]19,995 Lawnscience is one of the leading lawn care companies. It provides its customers with an annual programme of beneficial lawn treatments to improve the quality and look of their lawns, creating great...

Money experts: Strategic Financial was set up to deliver outsourced financial management systems to the SME market. Services include outsourced financial management restructuring, raising finance, acquisitions and mergers.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]15,000 - [pounds sterling]20,000 Strategic Financials has boasted continual year-on-year growth and has sustained this trend despite the economic downturn. As a financial outsourcer, it is capable of...

Sweet success: Snack-in-the-Box is a simple business model that keeps its franchisees sweet. Backed by global mega-brand Mars, Snack - in-the-Box franchisees have been delivering confectionery and savoury snacks to the workplace since 1996.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: OPTION 1[pounds sterling]9,970(+VAT) OPTION 2[pounds sterling]13,015(+VAT) Today, there are more than 100 Snack-in-the-Box franchisees servicing some 16,000 customers throughout the UK and Ireland every week. The business is...

Nothing ventured, nothing gained: Venture Photography's Norwich franchisee, David Cheese, has had an amazing year so far, delivering Venture's biggest individual sale yet in 2010 - a whopping [pounds sterling]13,000 here he reveals why franchising works for him.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]20,000 - [pounds sterling]50,000 Venture franchisee David Cheese, 36, has always worked in the franchise industry but decided to take the leap and invest in his own business two and a half years ago. ...

The search is on: as many businesses suffer the impact of the recession with spiralling costs in their supply chain, X-Press Legal Services has just successfully removed all supplier costs for its franchisees.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]28,950 X-Press Legal Services provides information to solicitors and onveyancers, which is vital for the sale, remortgage and repossession of property. After lobbying government for 18 months, a recent...

Chocolates for almost 100 years: did you know that Thorntons has been making chocolates for almost 100 years? In fact, its very first shop was opened in Sheffield and there are now 380 stores and 220 franchises nationwide.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]20,000 - [pounds sterling]50,000 Today, Thorntons is based in Derbyshire, employing 4.000 chocolate lovers around the UK and is proud to be one of the best-loved and oldest names on the high street....

Premier league: when Arthur White took over the Lancashire franchise for Minster cleaning services in 1996, the first contract he won was to clean the Blackburn Rovers stadium.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... After a long and successful management career, Arthur White decided to go it alone in the mid-90s and bought Minster's company-run branch in Accrington, Lancashire. With the benefits of a loyal workforce and a well-established customer base, he...

Accelerate ahead: looking for a fun franchise opportunity? Formula One Driver's simulators could provide you with a fast track to business success.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]35,000 Formula One Driver offers customers the chance to use the latest Formula One simulation software in a bespoke full scale replica of a Formula One car. The cars can be displayed in shopping malls and...

Your pest bet: Justin Holloway launched his Prokill pest control franchise in Swindon in 2007 and has been loving his new life ever since! Here's why he recommends investing in franchising, and Prokill in particular.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]30,000 - [pounds sterling]60,000 When Justin Holloway decided to buy his Prokill franchise, he recalls: "To launch a new business in an unknown sector on the cusp of a recession is naturally daunting. What...

On the button: unfasten a new business opportunity with The Zip Yard - a fast growing garments alteration franchise in the UK and Ireland.(Focus)(Company overview)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]40,000 In today's fast-paced world, people no longer have the time nor the skills to sew on a button or adjust even the simplest of hems, let alone risk damaging a favourite or expensive garment. As a...

Rock solid: people come into franchising from many different career backgrounds. Former Army Captain Rob Douthwaite now owns a thriving Cranite transformations franchise on the south coast.(Focus)(Travel narrative)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]29,975 Former Army Captain Rob Douthwaite served a full 22-year engagement with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, ending as an instructor at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, before buying his Granite...

Consistent growth: two Bairstow Eves franchise owners, Sam Sharif and Craig Anderson, have experienced phenomenal growth with their individual businesses.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]35,000 Sam Sharif, a qualified lawyer and married with one daughter, has been a Bairstow Eves franchise owner in Stoke Newington, London for nearly four years. Last year he expanded his business by...

Blades of glory: lawn care franchise, Green Thumb, has continued to thrive, despite the downturn. It now has more than 200 franchises in the UK making sure that nearly 450,000 lawns look lush, green and weed free.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]28,500 With a starting price of just [pounds sterling]14 for a lawn treatment, Green thumb provides its customers with amazing value for money as their lawn can be treated by a skilled professional for less...

Ready to roll! International snack food retailer Auntie Anne's is well known for its soft freshly baked pretzels, boasting more than 1,100 stores across the US and 23 countries worldwide.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]35,000 - [pounds sterling]60,000 Auntie Anne's sells a delicious range of sweet and savoury freshly baked pretzels, and a variety of drinks, including freshly squeezed original lemonade and a full range of...

Fully serviced: offering a stress-free service where you car is collected, MOT2U and returned, MOT2U is an innovative business that can offer you an exciting career.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]25,000 Most business-minded individuals will agree that full economic recovery is going to take some time. Therefore potential franchisees are looking for the most recession-resistant opportunity they can...

Small talk: Telcoinabox provides everything you need to build a successful business and gain a great work-life balance. Read on to discover if this is the right franchise opportunity for you.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM [pounds sterling]24,950 If you are looking for a simple business that can earn you a recurring income and give you the ability to take control of your own future and become your own boss-Telcoinabox may be the right...

A special offer: following the launch of Envirocare Ground Maintenance's franchise network in February, its first franchise has now gone live, with three more franchisees ready for business.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]34,400 Since launching, Envirocare Grounds Maintenance has been proving popular. David Yates, managing director of Envirocare, says: "We are now consistently receiving interest in our franchise offering from...

A great impression: established in Australia and with nearly 1,700 outlets in more than 50 countries, Cartridge World is a long-standing, global franchise that offers a robust, profitable and scaleable business opportunity.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]29,950 Many people dream of the day they can tell their boss exactly what to do with their rotten job and leave it to start their own business! However, the harsh reality is up to 50 per cent of new...

Explore learning: ComputerXplorers remains a ground-breaking franchise; it has been in existence for more than 20 years and in that time has taught more than three million children's IT classes worldwide.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]29,500 ComputerXplorers sets a standard for franchised businesses in the 21st century and dovetails with the requirements of many modern business owners. With ComputerXplorers you will be able to work from...

Flying start: Paul Harding explains why he chose Xperience - the UK's largest estate agency franchisor - and how he managed to be trading at a profit in just two weeks.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]20,000 Xperience has more than 85 agency branches across England and Wales, and one of the brands under the Xperience umbrella is Parkers. Paul Harding recently launched his Parkers franchise in Cirencester...

Flexible care: Flexicare Home Services UK is pushing the frontiers of support and care within the home and, as a result, is bringing the [pounds sterling]12 billion home care sector into the 21st century.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]30,000 Flexicare Home Services UK offers support and assistance to people aged 18 years and above that have health problems and disabilities. The Flexicare brand is synonymous with knowledge-based care...

A Five-year plan: County Durham-based firm 0800 Repair is celebrating successful business growth and, with a speedy accreditation by the British Franchise Association, is now on the lookout for new franchisees.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]25,000 Based in Chester le St and part of the Pacifica Group, 0800 Repair provides and sells warranties for white goods. The firm is operating across the UK, offering repair and installation services on...

Award winning! Following a string of national awards, Bluebird Care is delighted to be recognised for its high standards in franchising and care provision. Here's why this care at home franchise could be the one for you.(Focus)
October 1, 2010... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]32,500 "It is great to see the quality of our franchise and care provision being recognised on a national basis," says Bluebird Care's Franchise Director Simon Dalziel. "Right from the start we have aimed...